Ma Long Opens Up: The Highs and Lows of Becoming a Table Tennis Icon

In a candid and emotional interview with CCTV13's "Face to Face" program, Chinese table tennis sensation Ma Long shared his struggles and triumphs on the road to becoming the first male player to achieve a "Super Grand Slam" in the sport. The 27-year-old Olympic champion, who has dominated the sport in recent years, revealed that he too faces setbacks and self-doubt, but it was his passion for other sports, including football, that helped him stay motivated.

Recalling his experiences during the Paris Olympics, Ma Long confessed that he had reached a low point, where he felt like he couldn't achieve his goal of becoming the best. "I've been the runner-up in all the major tournaments, always just one step away from what I wanted," he said. However, it was watching football, particularly Real Madrid's miraculous comeback in the Champions League, that inspired him to persevere. "Until the final whistle blows, nothing is impossible," he quipped.

Ma Long's comments have resonated with Chinese netizens on Weibo, who are praising his humility and vulnerability. One user, @icecreamlover2000, wrote, "I was moved to tears by his words. He's only 17 years old, but he has a sense of responsibility that's impressive." Another user, @FangZhendongForever, exclaimed, "He's so cool! When he said that second place is also a kind of wealth, I felt a sense of resonance."

However, not everyone was impressed with Ma Long's words. Some users have criticized him for downplaying the importance of winning. @ChinaNumberOne wrote, "What's wrong with wanting to win? It's not about being second best, it's about being the best." @TableTennisFan22 countered, "He's just being honest. You can't always win, but you can always learn from your losses."

Ma Long's comments have sparked a wider debate on social media about the value of winning and the importance of perseverance. While some have praised his humility, others have criticized him for not being competitive enough. Nevertheless, his achievements on the table tennis court remain unparalleled, and his words have inspired a new generation of young athletes in China.

In another segment of the interview, Ma Long was asked how he deals with the pressure of competing at the highest level. He replied, "I won't tell my partner, Chen Meng, if I'm feeling tired or want to give up. I'll tell her that we're both on the same boat, and if we both give up, who's going to win the gold medal then?" His response has been widely shared on social media, with many praising his sense of humor and teamwork.

The full interview with Ma Long will air on CCTV13's "Face to Face" program on August 18th at 21:30. The program's promotional video has already been viewed millions of times on Weibo, with many fans eagerly anticipating the broadcast. As one user, @tablesportfan, wrote, "Can't wait to watch the full interview! Ma Long is such an inspiration."